PUBLIC MEETING AT ROSS.

West Coast Times, Issue 908, 20 August 1868, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETING AT ROSS.

We are glad to hoar that the effectual ' drainage of the deep ground about Ro SF , is engaging the earnest attention of the leading miners. There is a qu»slbnof { immediate and |vital impoi'lanco to that district, for at the present tim? one claim is a depth of 375 feefc, and about a dozen others are being sunk for the fourth bottom, and nearly all the other claims are wrought out on the second, and some on the third bottom. Tlie consequence of so much open ground is that the deeper claims get nearly all the water, and but tor the very fine weather, would be swamped. The miners seem pretty alire to this fact, and that better grouad is to be taken out (water permitting), than | that of the upper levels, and if any comprehensive scheme be submitted, they will no doubt do their best to carry it-V: out. • "With the object of obtaining an expression of opinion it wa°s • resolved by a few heading men at a meeting on Monday, to submit resolutions to a public meeting next evening, to be held at the Jones' "Flat Hotel. This was numerously attended, and shortly after the hour announced Mr Hoos, M.C.C., was called to the chair. He stated the object of the meeting to be, to obtain an expression of opinion by the miners, on the necessity of a uniform drainage scheme for the deep ground, which, if favorable, would no doubt lead to the formation of a Company able to do work on terms fair to themselves and to the miners generally. , •

Mr Fhaske tken read tlie following report, prepared by Messrs Gordon, Gow", Malfroy, and himself, on the scientific part of the subject : — ' Report of a Committee, consisting of Messrs Fraser, Grordon, Gow, and llalfroy, appointed to consider the best plan of draining Jones's Flat. Wo are of opinion that in draining the flat not only should tho present requirements be dealt with, but unforeseen contingencies, which may arise also, be provided against. We consider that water should bo the motive power, provided it can be obtained at a ~ less raie than steam can bo supplied at ; but before wo can express a definite opinion, the coat of the, water power must be ascertained. Six Government sluice heads of water from the lower raco of the Totara and Jones's Creek Company are taken as equal to an engine of 100 horse power, and capable of raising 1200 ■ gallons per minute from a depth of 275 ,feet, which, we believe, will keep the flat free from water for a considerable period. If water power be adopted, indubitably tho turbine possesses advantages over a water engine, as being more simple in construction, and consequently less liable to derangement. The cost, of pumping machinery, equal to 100-horse power, to be worked by water power, will be about £3926 14s, as shown by a specification and estimate prepared by Mr Gordon, a copy of which is annexed. Provided steam power is adopted, a saving of about £2158 will be effected on this estimate, which will cover the cost of a steam engine adequate to the work. Malcolm. Feaske, Chairman. 200 feet 14-inch _ pipes, with plunger double action, 7 feet 6 inch stroke, capable of raising 1200 gallons of water per minute ... ".".. ...'£6oo O O | Labour and fixing the same ... 150 0 0 From levels taken by Mr Mont- ! gomerie, the height of the ! Totara and Jones' Creek Water Eace Company above the j flat at tlie Morning Star ! Company's shaft 183 feet, v distance 23 chains, requiring 176 longths of 8-inch pipes ; weight of pipes, 45 tons; delivered in Boss ... ... 120110 O Lead for fixing joints of samo... 79 4 0 Cost of laying eamo down ... 176 0 0 Cost of pump-shaft, 6 feet by 4 feet, 200 feet deep 500 0 O Foundation for machinery 220 0 0 Erection of machinery 250 0 0 Turbine wheel, with necessary gear — namely, two intermediate shafts, two sparrow wheels, two pinion wheels, one fly wheel, and crank, connecting rods, and bob mountings ... 750 0 0^ Total *£3926 14 O (Signed), H. A. Gobdojj. Mr Mai/feot moved — "That the miners and public of Ross are of opinion that a general system of drainage is necessary in Jones' Elat, for the profitable working thereof." He and Mr Grimmond, who seconded, spoke briefly in its favor, saying that the flat must be abandoned unless better means of drainage be quickly adopted. The resolution was carried unanimously. Mr Shaw, the mayor of Hokitika, then said he hoped to hear the opinions of the miners freely expressed. Although not a working miner himself, he, like all others in Westland, was dependent on gold mining ; as, if the diggers left, all the rest might follow. He was sorry to have noticed for a long time a falling off in the prosperity of Eoss, and he feared matters would become worse unless the people bestirred themselves. He had always found tho great difficulty of drainage schemes was the want of combination, and the jealousy of some men getting greater benefit than others ; but it must be evident that a"ll were interested, and there should be no such jealousy and. dis- t . union. They were asked, were they of f opinion that a thorough drainage .' scheme was necessary, such a.' scheme as would free all the claims of water, and leave miners to get wash-dirt only ? It was not necessary to talk of what system should be adopted. No doubt that could easily be settled, if the miners agreed that it was necessary, and that th.ey- would pay for its maintenance. Possibly the capital, or some of it, might be voted out of surplus revenue. It was a subject worthy of Government help, and if successfully carried out, might lead, to opening up other goldfields and encouraging many enterprises of a similar character, so as to increase employment, wa-jjes, and prosperity. ( \pplause.) M r Ai laikr urged that in the drainage question their action must bo prompt, aud have no / waiting for Government* help. Hitherto they had helped themselves, and he hoped they would maintain their independence. Ho felt sure that any scheme, to bo effectual, must be compulsory as to payment. He had "known cases where men would stand idly by as long as their neighbors would bale for them. They had, better look the subject fairly in the faoe, and obtain a law for assessing claims as soon as possible, (Applause.) Mr Shaw then moved—" That a »c. movial be presented to the Govenuwmt,

asking; tliat a Bill be passed for a compulsory drainage scheme for Jones' Flat." Mr Malfkoy seconded the resolution, and urged the necessity of unity. / The resolution was carried unanimously. V The following memorial to the Government was then read, and was afterwards " numerously signed :~

Rosa, August 18, 1868. To the Hon J. A. Bonar, M.L.O. The memorial of the undersigned miners of Jones' Flat respectfully ehewelh — 1. That the ground in Jones' Flat now beSng worked is tho riohest in "Westland, but t&t owing to tho depth of sinking, and amount of water in the ground, a groat deal of capital has necessarily been invested in machinery, and that such investment is likely to be no longer profitable owing to tho means employed being inadequate to drain tho lower levels, on which most of the miners aro now working. 2. That owing to the diversity of interest no efficient drainage is likely to bo carried out unless under the authority of Government. 3. That unless thorough dminage be quickly effected, a large population will be thrown out of employment, and a great amount of capital invested in mining and other property rendered valueless. 4. That the deep ground has been already tested ni;d found rich in three levels, which are^only wrought to a very small extent owing to excess of water.

5. That improved machinery for pumping is necessary, and if all benefited would contribute to its maintenance, would prove immediately reproductive and highly remunerative.

Your memorialists therefore pray that you •will adopt such measures as will best tend to secure (he object of your memorialists.

And your petitioners will ever pray.

A committee of nine was appointed to draw up a drainage and assessment scheme to be submitted to public meeting on Friday next.